In this short piece, five critical factors have been analysed if Niger and Nigeria were to engage in military combat.
1. Military Ranking
According to Global Firepower rankings of 2023, the Nigerian military is ranked 36 globally, while the Nigerien army ranks 119.
Nigeria is ranked number four on the African scene, and Niger is ranked number 25.
2. Military Personnel
Nigeria’s total military personnel is 215,000, with an active personnel of 135,000. Nigeria has more than 85,000 personnel fit for service and 80,000 paramilitaries.
Meanwhile, Niger Republic can only boast of 13,000 military personnel, which is not up to 15 per cent of the Nigerian army personnel.
Niger has an active personnel of just 10,000 and zero reserves.
3. Defence Budget
Regarding finances, Niger is no match for Nigeria as its defence budget supersedes its West African neighbour.
Nigeria has a defence budget of over $3 billion, while its West African neighbour Niger has a defence budget of just $287 million.
Nigeria’s purchasing power parity is over $1 trillion, while that of Niger is just $28 billion.
4. Armed Artillery
As of 2023, Nigeria has 177 tanks, while Niger has zero. Nigeria has 15,748 armoured vehicles, while Niger has just 728. Nigeria’s self-propelled artillery is 30 now, while Niger has none.
Similarly, Nigeria’s towed artillery is 338, while Niger has none. Nigeria’s rocket projectors are 37, while Niger has none.
5. Air Power
Nigeria has 144 combat aircraft, comprising 14 fighter jets, 28 trainer jets, 52 helicopters, six special mission jets.
